Belgium to send trade mission to Bangladesh

Business Desk

Belgium is planning to send a trade delegation to Bangladesh later this year to explore trade and investment opportunities.Newly appointed Belgian Ambassador to Bangladesh, with residence in New Delhi, Francois Delhaye informed this at a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday.

Dr Momen asked Belgium to continue to play leadership role in the European Union and the UN Security Council to mount persistent pressure on Myanmar for sustainable solution to the crisis, including creating congenial environment for their safe and dignified return at the earliest.Ambassador Delhaye reiterated Belgium's commitment to that end, said the Foreign Ministry here.

Belgium has been elected as non-permanent member of the UNSC for the term of 2019-2020.During the meeting, Dr Momen briefed the ambassador about tremendous socioeconomic developments that Bangladesh has achieved particularly during the last one decade under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.He urged Belgium's partnership in Bangladesh's journey towards a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041 in line with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Vision 2021 and Vision 2041.

Dr Momen also highlighted Bangladesh's demographic dividend and attractive packages that are on offer for foreign direct investment (FDI).Francois Delhaye informed the Foreign Minister about Belgian company Jan De Nul's entering into concession agreement with the government of Bangladesh for the dredging of Payra Port.

Earlier, he also had meetings with Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman and State Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at their respective offices.On Tuesday, Belgian Ambassador presented his credentials to President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.